QC Microbiology Lead - Dundalk (Associate Director)

MSD Ireland; Leinster; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Ireland is seeking a QC Microbiology Lead to ensure excellence in microbiological standards and to drive innovation in testing procedures. The ideal candidate will lead a high-performing team, manage compliance with regulations, and contribute to strategic initiatives. If you have experience in microbiology within the pharmaceutical sector and strong leadership skills, apply today. This role allows for flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical industry with significant leadership roles.
• Experience in Microbiology/Environmental Monitoring and frontline supervisory roles.
• Knowledge and application of Lean methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Microbiology Laboratory, ensuring top-notch quality standards are met.
• Resolve Microbiology/Environmental Monitoring investigations efficiently.
• Continuously innovate test systems for optimal performance.
• Coordinate resources effectively to maintain both quality and efficiency.
• Develop and mentor your team while planning for future leadership succession.
• Manage area expenditure while keeping within budget limits.
• Contribute to site management's operational and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, EHS, and other business regulations.

Skills

Change Management

Cross-Functional Teamwork

Environmental Monitoring

GMP Compliance

Leadership

Lean Methodologies

Microbiology

People Management

Quality Control (QC)

Quality Standards

Education

Degree or third-level qualification in Science/Quality

Job description

Overview

Are you ready to lead with impact in a state-of-the-art drug substance and drug product manufacturing facility? As our QC Microbiology Lead, you’ll be at the forefront of ensuring excellence in microbiological standards and environmental monitoring. This is your opportunity to shape the future of pharmaceutical quality, mentor a high-performing team, and contribute to strategic site initiatives—all while driving continuous improvement and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Microbiology Laboratory, ensuring top-notch quality standards are met.
• Resolve Microbiology/Environmental Monitoring investigations efficiently.
• Continuously innovate test systems for optimal performance.
• Coordinate resources effectively to maintain both quality and efficiency.
• Develop and mentor your team while planning for future leadership succession.
• Manage area expenditure while keeping within budget limits.
• Contribute to site management's operational and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, EHS, and other business regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Degree or third-level qualification in Science/Quality.
• At least 5 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical industry with significant leadership roles.
• Experience in Microbiology/Environmental Monitoring and frontline supervisory roles.
• Knowledge and application of Lean methodologies.
• Strong leadership, change management, and continuous improvement skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Scientific qualification and relevant experience in pharmaceutical laboratory management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree is valued.
• Project Management qualification (e.g., Project Management Professional) is a plus.
• Evidence of continuous professional development is highly regarded.

Required Skills

Change Management, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Environmental Monitoring, GMP Compliance, Leadership, Lean Methodologies, Microbiology, People Management, Quality Control (QC), Quality Standards

Notes

Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Secondary Language(s) Job Description

As a company, we are committed to keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world's most challenging healthcare needs. As an equal opportunity employer, we are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. Please contact the Talent Acquisition Advisor assigned to this role for support during the recruitment process. We are committed to flexible working where possible and have introduced a new hybrid working model for office-based colleagues around the world. Please feel free to speak to us about what flexibility means to you during your application.

So, If You Are Ready To Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs, please apply today.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs/resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement will be deemed the sole property of the company. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired where no pre-existing agreement exists. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Job Posting End Date: 10/22/2025. A job posting is effective until 11:59:59 PM on the day before the listed job posting end date. Apply no later than the day before the end date.

Requisition ID: R365321